Kalyna Country...one of the most historic places in Alberta!
Over the years there have been many interesting articles written on the fascinating history of the Kalyna region. Below are links to a few of the many stories written about our early settlers. We thank Jars Balan and the others who have taken the time to research and share this information with us.

Thorhild County

Welcome to Thorhild County

Located just 45 minutes north of the City of Edmonton, Thorhild County has so much to offer to prospective residents, travellers, and potential investors. We invite you to browse our website to discover why it’s a great place to live, do business, and visit.

Town of Smoky Lake

“Just over an hour’s drive from Edmonton, Smoky Lake offers the comforts of city living with the adventures of country life. Located 20 minutes or less from several lakes offering water activities, boreal forest camping, cultural and historic notes along with great fishing for jack, perch and trout.

The Victoria Trail

In late 1999 directional and interpretive signs were installed along the 58 kilometre length of the historic Victoria Trail, the oldest road in Alberta that is still in regular use. Begun as an Indian trail running along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.Read More

Click on this image to be taken on a voice over tour of the Victoria Trail and all it has to offer.

Ukrainian Dancers

Kalyna country celebrates much of our Ukrainian history and culture.
The Smoky Lake Holubka Dancers take pride in demonstrating the many unique dances and costumes from the various areas of the Ukraine.Click here for Video

These groups will often host concerts throughout the year offering both at demonstration of Ukrainian dance as well as a traditional Ukrainian foods.

Metis Crossing

Canada’s first and only major Métis Cultural Centre is located in Smoky Lake County along the Victoria Trail just off Highway 855. Métis Crossing is a major initiative of the Métis Nation of Alberta. The mission is to be a premiere centre for Alberta Métis cultural interpretation, education, gatherings, and business development. The 512-acre site will be designed to engage and excite visitors. The programming will encourage active participation of visitors in activities that promote an appreciation of our people, customs, and celebrations.

The Versatile Kalyna

The Kalyna Country Ecomuseum is named after the highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus), which flourishes along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and the many streams and creeks that feed into it. A member of the honeysuckle family (formerly Caprifoliaceae, nowAdoxaceae), this tree-like shrub grows anywhere from 1-4 meters in height, and is not to be confused with the distantly related lowbush cranberry (Viburnum edule) — the plant commercially cultivated to produce juices and the jelly or make the sauce customarily served with Thanksgiving turkey.

Welcome

Kalyna Country Ecomuseum

Kalyna Country Ecomuseum is a “heritage” and eco-tourism district that invites exploration by visitors from near and far and helps preserve the unique historical, cultural, and natural features of the landscape. Kalyna Country is a “living” outdoor museum encompassing 20,000 sq kms in rural East Central Alberta. Instead of going to one building or site to see exhibits and artifacts, visitors are instead encouraged to travel around the area to learn about the past, the living cultures of the communities, the landscape and the natural recreation areas. Create your own adventure and enjoy the ecomuseum experience which is meant to be as enjoyable as it is educational!

What is an Ecomuseum?

The Kalyna Country Ecomuseum was established in 1991 – 1992 on the initiative of the Alberta Historic Sites and Archives Service, and the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta.

Well, to start with, it is probably easiest to think of an ecomuseum as a broadly-defined “heritage” district that invites exploration by visitors from near and far. It helps to know that the original meaning of the Greek word, “eco”, is “home”, so an ecomuseum can be literally defined as “a place where people live which is interpreted (or presented) in the manner of maseion”. But instead of going to one building or site to see exhibits and artifacts, visitors are instead encouraged to travel around a designated territory to learn about the past, the geography, and the living cultures of the communities that are organized under the umbrella concept of an ecomuseum. Of course, traditional museums, natural areas, and historic sites are an integral part of most ecomuseums, but these are only some the exhibits illuminating a region’s heritage and lifestyle. Local events (life festivals, rodeos, and fairs), area residents, and the landscape itself, are all important elements in any =amuse= experience, which is meant to be as enjoyable as it is educational. That is why visitors are also urged to participate in traditional recreational activities offered by ecomuseum communities – such as golfing, swimming, shopping, dining out, fishing, snowmobiling, trail riding, etcetera – while staying overnight at local motels, bed & breakfasts, or campgrounds. That way, you get to know an ecomuseum inside and out!

We thank the Ukrainian Pioneers Association of Alberta for there funding of this website as their contribution toward preserving the history of rural east central Alberta.